Zelenskyy: Ukraine Wants to Use September and October to Restart Diplomatic Process

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine plans to utilize the months of September and October to restart the diplomatic dialogue aimed at concluding the ongoing war. This assertion was made during an interview with Axios, where Zelenskyy discussed the recent visit by a U.S. delegation, potential measures to de-escalate the conflict, and Ukraine's negotiating stance as the winter approaches.

According to Zelenskyy, American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner conveyed a message indicating that Russia is willing to engage in negotiations. Upon their arrival in Kyiv, the purpose was to unblock the diplomatic process and introduce fresh proposals. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine intends to resume diplomacy during September and October, specifically mentioning the United Nations General Assembly session in New York as a potential venue for further discussions with the U.S. side.

He also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin is anticipating enough damage from winter to make Ukraine more amenable to compromise, but argued that Russia is exposed to its own risks as the colder months progress. Furthermore, Zelenskyy clarified that Ukraine has already made all the possible concessions. To advance the diplomatic process, Ukraine now requires security guarantees and an economic support package.

Additionally, Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine is formulating new decisions concerning air defense and long-range strike capabilities after receiving a briefing from National Security and Defense Council Secretary Ihor Klymenko. Meetings with partners and companies participating in the joint anti-ballistic missile program FREYJA are scheduled in the near future, alongside ongoing efforts to enhance Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities.

The president also mentioned discussions on implementing measures to counter Russian attack drones, accelerating defense production, and organizational changes within the National Security and Defense Council, including staffing and resource requirements.